JL Mackie argues in Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong that there are no objective values because of metaphysical queerness and cultural relativity. Since I do not have specialized training in philosophy, I cannot rebut this argument in a sophisticated manner, but I am unconvinced that there are no moral facts just because they do not behave as physical objects, which is an observation that applies to so many other abstract ideas like numbers. Neither does cultural relativity carry much weight. Different cultures may have different moral codes, but I think there are basic expectations of human decency that are common across most, if not all, cultures such as telling the truth.
I cannot advance a meta-ethical theory that will prove the existence of objective values. I subscribe, however, to Stephen Covey's assertion that principles govern whether we follow them or not. Some consequences follow certain behaviors with nearly the same regularity as natural physical laws. If we lie, cheat or steal, we lose trust. If we tell the truth, return a favor, and remain faithful to others, we normally earn it.
Values may be queer or relative, and they may be nothing but a human invention, but they are as real as a rock.
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